Wednesday, February 24, 2010

It seems like lately there are a lot of products that say they can help you get more fiber. What is it with this stuff? Why is it important, and what should you know about it? Here are the top ten things you ought to know about fiber, and why it’s so good for you.

1. It can prevent blood sugar imbalances

Fiber is a great thing for people with diabetes, because though technically it’s listed with the carbohydrates on food nutrition labels, it does NOT raise blood glucose levels.

2. There are two types

There are two types of fiber, soluble (dissolves in water) and insoluble (does not dissolve in water). Both are important to maintaining a healthy diet.

3. It can prevent obesity

Foods that are rich in fiber make you feel full, satisfied. So eating them will make you feel fuller, faster, which can prevent obesity.

4. It can lower your cholesterol

Soluble (the kind that dissolves in water) reduces your low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the “bad” cholesterol. This is the cholesterol directly linked to heart disease, so lowering the amount your body absorbs, and the amount you eat, is a very good thing!

5. It’s easy to find

There are so many delicious foods that are high in fiber, it’s easy to find! There are even fiber supplements you can take instead, so finding fiber has never been easier.

6. It can help with motility issues

Motility is a polite way of saying “pooping.” Eating foods that are high is fiber will help you have healthy bowel movements, which is important in many ways, from making you feel less bloated to getting rid of excess hormones before they can be absorbed back into your bloodstream.

7. You may not be getting enough

Unless you’re already eating a diet rich in fiber, you may not be getting enough. Adults ought to be getting between 20 and 35 grams per day, but most Americans don’t!

8. It helps prevent hemorrhoids

Because fiber can help regulate your digestive tract, it can also prevent hemorrhoids, which can be painful and may require surgery to correct. Ouch!

9. It helps prevent varicose veins

Constipation has long been proven to contribute to causing varicose veins, and who wants those? Fiber keeps your regular, which of course reduces constipation, and varicose veins!

10. It’s delicious!

Almost all of my favorite foods, like fruits and veggies, are high in fiber. Nothing is more delicious than fresh strawberries, blackberries, kiwis, tomatoes… yum! And I love dried figs! The perfect snack!

Now you know everything there is to know about fiber and why it’s so important. It’s easy to find, and it helps prevent so many health problems and diseases! Is there anything I forgot to add to my list? What your favorite interesting fiber fact? Please let me know!